Special offer
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS, South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker! (Fathom Realty Washington LLC)

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Rainmaker
4,582,173
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

I have not heard this particular request but it certainly would be followed by  a conversation with the wannabe seller if this issue ever "pops up".  

Jun 09, 2019 05:33 AM
Ambassador
5,254,035
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Yes, all of the time. They don't want their home accessible when they are not home, without their knowledge or during the night.

Sometimes they do that if they have lever handles, where the lockboxes won't 'hang' without falling off.

Jun 08, 2019 11:02 PM
Rainmaker
5,112,471
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I have indeed had sellers ask for no box whatsoever... and as far as I'm concerned, it's all about the seller and not about me. I do have them sign something that says I've recommended a secure lock box, discussed security with them and that it was their decision not to follow my recommendation. That way, if anything happens they can't come back at me. The good news is that the few times this has happened we never had a single security issue.

As for not "attaching" a box... I see that all the time on houses I show. And again have had no issues when I've had to do that at a client's home where there is no logical place to hang a box.

Jun 09, 2019 05:34 AM
Rainmaker
5,238,990
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Not on the door, somewhere close! Never unsecured!

Jun 09, 2019 05:06 AM
Rainmaker
1,325,299
Donald Urschalitz
Lubeck Realty Group - Jupiter, FL
P.A. Realtor ABR RSPS North Palm Beach County

Sure many times, I have been able to get them to allow me to put the keybox somewhere else out of site. Howver, if the home is occupied I always attend any showings since many features can be missed by another agent.

Jun 09, 2019 05:33 AM
Rainmaker
7,863,162
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Nope. They need to be well prepared.

Jun 09, 2019 05:30 AM
Ambassador
2,162,898
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

No, I explain to them that the electronic lockboxes I use cannot be taken off or opened without special codes and that they also only open during specific times so they don't have to worry about entering anyone outside those times. 

Jun 09, 2019 04:11 AM
Rainmaker
4,900,966
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I have not; however, their request does not surprise me.

Jun 09, 2019 03:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,776
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Whn I listed properties I would have turned down the listing on those conditions. Normally you can explain security to an owner.

Jun 09, 2019 03:19 AM
Rainmaker
632,925
Buzz Mackintosh
Mackintosh REALTORS - Frederick, MD
“Experience, reliable, leadership”

I have not personally , but know others who have

Jun 09, 2019 03:09 AM
Ambassador
2,456,409
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

No, I haven't. I would be worried about someone stealing the lockbox.

Jun 09, 2019 02:45 AM
Rainmaker
2,221,377
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

I have not Paul.  

Jun 09, 2019 08:49 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,328
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

that's absurd....and no, have never been asked that.... my answer would be "that's not happening"

Jun 09, 2019 06:15 AM
Rainmaker
1,206,250
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

Some folks hav strange requests, but yes, I had a similar situatin

Jun 09, 2019 04:05 AM
Rainmaker
3,627,072
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

While I've had them ask to not have the lockbox on the door, I've never ran into that situation before

Jun 09, 2019 02:34 AM
Rainmaker
888,517
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

Actually it makes no sense... they can just leave the door open...

leaving the key box unattached does not make sense

Jun 09, 2019 12:04 AM
Rainmaker
913,468
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Yes. Apparently they've experienced agents not following showing instructions in the past.

Jun 09, 2019 10:34 AM
Ambassador
1,457,019
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

The high majority of my clients do not want a lockbox. It is all about what works for my clients, not me.  If we do proceed with a lockbox, it will not be on their front door, but in a secure, out of sight location.

Jun 09, 2019 09:47 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,581
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

PAUL,

We are all different in our thinking, and security these days is important.  On the luxury end, the listing agent attends the showing...too many valuables around to pocket.  A

Jun 09, 2019 09:47 AM
Ambassador
3,349,404
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Yes, I have.  No issues with the seller controlling the lockbox. 

See Debe Maxwell, CRS comment. 

Jun 09, 2019 09:18 AM
Rainmaker
1,728,156
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Often not on the door, but at least on the hose bibb.  These sellers seem paranoid.

Jun 09, 2019 07:57 AM
Rainmaker
1,056,272
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

LB tethered to nothing? No!

Smarter way:

LB hidden, around the back of the house somewhere where visibility is not noticeable from the street or the front of the house.

When it is your appointment time we will reveal the location of the lock box.

Jun 09, 2019 06:58 AM
Rainmaker
469,510
Dan & Laurie Pittsenbarger Team
Keller Williams Western Realty - Bellingham, WA
Lakeside & Coastal Single Family Homes

It's not the norm here but it does happen for those sellers that are worried about agents not following the showing instructions.

Jun 09, 2019 06:26 AM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

Supra will be better solution.

Jun 09, 2019 05:57 AM
Ambassador
6,417,409
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I avoid putting them on the door because they scuff up the door and the hands.

Jun 09, 2019 02:25 PM
Rainmaker
2,245,575
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Security is not an issue in the 4th lowest crime state where our northern area is half that pretty impressive state average for now crime. Keys, locked doors... interesting concept. You might see a sign that says "Insured by Smith & Wesson" or "I own a gun and a back hoe". You fill in the blanks on what happens if you mess with their property. We are brought up to respect other peoples property... they do the same to others around them.

Jun 09, 2019 02:06 PM
Ambassador
3,167,614
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I have no issue with that on occupied homes at all.  It's what I would do if my house were listed.  

Jun 09, 2019 01:23 PM
Rainmaker
4,175,917
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS I have not, however home sellers always make usual demands.

Jun 09, 2019 09:29 AM
Rainmaker
1,322,984
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

It is  not an uncommon request.

Jun 09, 2019 08:58 AM
Ambassador
5,060,494
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

It's not been an issue for me but I show homes occasionally where the lock box has to be put out by the seller.

Jun 09, 2019 08:00 AM
Rainmaker
1,846,901
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

It doesn't seem secure to me. What if the agent is late & the thing is just sitting there in a potted plant? 

If the people want to feel secure only give key for one lock so they stop thinking that some agent will show their house at 3am or something else ridiculous.

Jun 09, 2019 07:12 AM
Rainmaker
2,784,566
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

It is not surprising what comes out of anyone any more...

Jun 09, 2019 06:45 AM
Rainmaker
556,536
Greg Cremia
Shore Realty of the Outer Banks - Nags Head, NC

A lockbox on the front door is a real pain the the a$$ for the occupants. It gets caught up when they try to shut the door and they have to watch as it destroys the weather stripping in the process.

Buy some 3 foot long zip ties and fasten the lockbox to a railing, post or any other part of the house.

 

Jun 09, 2019 04:14 AM
Rainmaker
1,201,477
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

Have not had that happen to me. 

Jun 10, 2019 05:15 AM
Rainmaker
759,485
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

 I really prefer it on the door myself but sometimes it doesn't close when there's a storm door. also some door handles aren't designed to securely hold the Box. I haven't had anyone put it out and take it in after showings. I don't think the box is all that secure on the door or not

Jun 09, 2019 08:34 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Yes and it did not make much sense. After they forgot once, i got my lock box installed.

Jun 09, 2019 06:04 PM
Ambassador
3,138,603
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Strange request. If the home is occupied, we discuss whether to place a box on-site (on a hose bib or gate) but having one unsecured may not be a good idea. 

Jun 09, 2019 04:00 PM
Rainer
347,398
Kris Collis, Associate Broker
Smart Way America Realty - East Stroudsburg, PA
Professional Results you Expect 570-801-5525

Paul, this makes perfect sense when security is an issue as long as seller attaches box to pre-determined location consistent with showing instructions. Lockboxes (not bluetooth boxes) and yardsigns are advertisements to thugs that the key is here to break in.  I stopped using yard signs after a break-in and theft.  A potential break-in was thwarted on another property when thugs smashed lock box off the door in vain only to find it empty while we waited for key from bank.  What if you disagree with them and the unthinkable is the result? 

Jun 09, 2019 02:16 PM
Ambassador
3,589,741
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Not happening! Period.

Jun 09, 2019 01:58 PM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

During 99% of the time I will accompany therfore this subject very rarely comes up.

Jun 09, 2019 12:02 PM
Rainmaker
1,241,754
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

customer is always right.

Jun 09, 2019 11:48 AM
Rainmaker
1,506,013
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Yes.  I've had a "seller controls lockbox" listing before.  It was usually because the person worked nights or graveyard at a hospital.  It was explained to them the benefits of having a keysafe accessible and we worked it out so I had a schedule of when it would be out and could send agents then.  It also meant open houses were more useful, when they could be scheduled.

Jun 09, 2019 10:28 AM
Rainmaker
715,782
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

We do have clients who request this - and I agree with you that someone could steal the lockbox (and the key) with this scenario.  But no one has (to date). 

Jun 09, 2019 10:10 AM
Rainmaker
906,187
Carla Freund
Keller Williams Preferred Realty - Raleigh, NC
NC Real Estate Transition & Relocation 919-602-848

No. Not that they would put it out on the porch. I have seen where sellers want to be there to let people in then leave. I've also had a couple situations where we change the lockbox when it goes under contract so past agents who showed the house no longer had the lockbox code. I had one seller who swore someone came in her house after contract and without approval. We now have Sentrilock and that is more secure.

Jun 10, 2019 04:49 AM
Rainmaker
853,012
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

I've had sellers who are comfortable just leaving the door unlocked so there is no lockbox required at all. 

Now just recently I've had an agent ask that the key be pulled from the lockbox because her phone doesn't support the supra app....  

Jun 10, 2019 04:31 AM
Rainmaker
5,877,329
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

There have been some, but not many.

Jun 21, 2019 02:41 PM
Rainmaker
902,038
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

I've seen lockboxes attached to very strange things, some not always easy to find; doors don't always work.

Jun 10, 2019 09:52 AM
Rainmaker
2,399,936
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Even if it only makes sense to them I'd do it but I'd have them sign a waver that would absolve me of any responsibility if something should go wrong in this sincere Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS 

Jun 10, 2019 06:40 AM
Rainmaker
2,071,025
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

No way. No keys on the porch!!!!!!!!!!

Jun 10, 2019 06:16 AM
Rainmaker
536,943
Rose Mary Justice
Synergy Realty Pros - Dandridge, TN
Synergy Realty Pros

No I have not had this happen.  Sounds as if they have had a security issue before.

Jun 10, 2019 05:51 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Of course.

It matters not that the request seems illogical, it is real to them.

I would go a step further to ease they mind and suggest NO BOX at all.

After all, being a full service agent I will be present to insure the features of the home are exhibited in the best context means I will be present for all showings.

So, what exactly is the problem?

Jun 10, 2019 05:35 AM